What is at the Site?

What does the new Behind the Scenes tour include?

The tour takes you to new archaeological excavations at the Western Wall, some of which are still in the process of being excavated, so the tour route changes based on which sites are accessible. The tour takes about an hour and twenty minutes, similar to the Western Wall Tunnels tour, and two to three groups can tour simultaneously. Your tour will cover some of the following fascinating new discoveries:

The Ritual-Bath Complex and the Hasmonean Hall

Over the last several years, archaeological excavations have been conducted underneath the usual tour route in the Western Wall Tunnels. These have uncovered magnificent ritual baths from the Second Temple period. One of them even has water today! The site includes the Hasmonean Hall where the members of the Sanhedrin apparently gathered outside the Temple Mount, and the Hall of Eras where remnants were found dating back to the First Temple and up to modern times.

The Great Bridge Excavations

The Great Bridge served those walking between the Upper City (where the Jewish Quarter is today) and the Temple Mount during the Second Temple period. It also carried water coming from Solomon’s Pools adjacent to Bethlehem to the Temple Mount. Recently, the bridge’s arches were excavated, uncovering a rich array of remnants, unique etchings, and much more.

Beit Strauss Excavations

Nathan Strauss, for whom the city of Netanya is named, donated funds for a soup kitchen adjacent to the Western Wall Plaza. Excavations conducted under this historic structure uncovered impressive structures from various periods. You can enter this underground site from the upper section of the Western Wall Plaza.

Section A Excavations

Fascinating remnants that tell the story of Jerusalem throughout the ages have been uncovered under one of the most important synagogues in Jerusalem, Ohel Yitzchak, from the 19th century. The remnants found here span periods from the Second Temple to the days of the British Mandate. They convey the stratification of the city as history unfolded.

Want to place a note between the Kotel stones, but not able to come in person? We’re here to help. Write the content of your note and we’ll make sure it is placed between the holy stones. Your privacy is meticulously kept at all times.

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Do you want to pray for someone’s health at the Western Wall but you can’t get there yourself? We are here to help. Write the names of the people for whom you are praying and we will pray for their health in front of the sacred stones of the Western Wall with your privacy strictly maintained.